As the end of year approaches, many begin looking to define their next year’s goals. Recent studies show that about 3% of adults have clearly written goals and accomplish 5 to 10 times more than those who do not. Goal setting not only allows you to take control of your life’s direction, it also provides you a benchmark for determining whether you are actually succeeding.

As someone who has been actively business planning for 10+ years, I can personally attest to the power of the physical act of writing down a goal. It helps clarify the things you truly want to accomplish; and by writing it down, you no longer have an excuse to forget about it.

First things first, to accomplish your goals, you need to know how to set them; but, don’t worry, in this article, we’re sharing three steps that will allow you to formulate goals that you can accomplish.

Step 1: Set Your Goals

Identify clear, concise and SMART goals that motivate you. (SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time Bound) In more specific terms, your goals must be clear and well defined, include precise figures and dates, are possible to achieve, are aligned with the direction you want your personal and professional life to take, must include a deadline and, last but not least, must be written down so that they inspire you to take action.

Step 2: Create a Business Action Plan

Now that you’ve identified and written down your goals, it’s time to put a plan in place to achieve them. To get yourself into the business planning mindset, start by conducting a review of your current or previous year. Some great questions to ask yourself: What did I accomplish? What are some road blocks or challenges that got in my way? What opportunities did I miss? What did I learn? It is important to review what worked last year and to know your basic numbers (i.e. average days on market, listing to sale ratios) before you begin planning for the year ahead. Once you know your stats, begin writing down the individual tasks you need to carry out to achieve your objective, and in the order you need to complete them. Keep this list close by so that you can easily mark off tasks as you complete them.

Step 3: Track & Measure Your Results

How do you know if what you’re doing is yielding positive results? Using a suitable tracking system – whether that be a simple tracking form or a CRM platform to record your results – will allow you to track your progress and make necessary corrections throughout the year.

I hope you found these points helpful. By following these three steps, I am confident you can set goals with certainty and enjoy the satisfaction that comes along with knowing you achieved what you set out to do. If you’d like a copy of the forms I use for my personal and business goal setting, please email me at matt.askland@cardinalfinancial.com and I’ll be happy to share them with you. Good luck!

https://myarizonaloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/paper-man.jpg49127360MattAsklandhttps://myarizonaloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2-Col_Reg_Horiz-copy-web.pngMattAskland2018-11-12 23:29:102018-11-12 23:30:03Real Estate Agents: 3 Steps For End Of Year Goal Planning

Congratulations! You have decided to purchase a home. It is a very exciting time; however, it can also be very stressful. You begin questioning if your credit score is in good shape? Will this slowdown or stop the process of buying a home altogether? How can I improve my credit score, fast?

First of all, do not panic! Many consumers are worried about their credit score. Trying to improve one’s credit score is a common concern for a lot of buyers. Check out these tips on how to approach any issues and improve your credit score so when mortgage lenders look at your financials you are in a much better position than you were prior.

3 Tips on How to Improve Your Credit Score

Pay Off or Lower Debt

Paying off debt is one of the quickest ways to improve credit scores. Credit utilization makes up 30% of your credit score. Therefore, try to pay off your balances or keep them predominantly low. With the holidays around the corner, do not foolishly dig yourself in more debt because you are shopping for friends and loved ones. Keep it simple and keep a budget as you have big plans to purchase a home.

Stay Current on All Accounts

Do you have any accounts that have late payments? Catching up on all delinquent accounts and outstanding fees can improve a credit score pretty quickly. Once you take care of those unpaid dues, it is vital that you pay your bills on time. By staying on top of payments, you will continue to increase your credit score.

Plan Accordingly

When you are preparing to buy a home, there are a few things you should and should not do. You should be mindful of any additional large purchases you plan on making. For instance, this is probably not the best time to buy a car. Every event you apply for credit can cause a decrease in your credit score which is not what you want right now.

It is also not an ideal time to open or close any accounts. You may want to shut down an account once you have paid off the balance, but you should ensure that this will not affect your credit score first. Most of the time closing an account will not improve your credit score, and by leaving the account open, you can continue to increase your score by making timely payments.

With these credit improving tips you should be well on your way to becoming a new homeowner! If you are still seeking further guidance, call us at 480-759-1500 or email matt.askland@cardinalfinancial.com and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Independent living is often cited as being good for one’s well-being, so it’s no surprise that aging in place has become so popular. Aging in place is a term used to describe a person living in the residence of their choice, for as long as they are able, as they age. This includes being able to have any services (or other support) they might need over time as their needs change.

Thankfully, many options in today’s housing market make aging in place possible.

Preparing for physical safety and financial security are the most immediate concerns that come to mind as we plan for aging in place. However, convenience and overall well-being should also be considered before deciding where to settle in.

Here are three housing options to weigh as you or your loved ones plan for continued independence.

1. Renovate Your Current Home
Adding front entry ramps, bath bars, sit-in tubs and other safety features may make it physically possible to stay where you are. However, renovation costs can add up quickly, especially if they’re needed all at once.

Home maintenance should also be factored in. Who will manage the upkeep if the property has multiple floors or a large yard?

2. Right-Size to a Manageable Floor Plan
Some may find it easier to purchase a home with barrier-free, universal design rather than deal with the stress of home renovations. Moving closer to family and friends can also help to prevent social isolation or depression.

3. Buy a New Home With Family Members
Floor plans for multigenerational homes are often designed with individual privacy in mind while allowing family to be nearby. Sharing home maintenance costs also minimizes living expenses. And this is an excellent way to help family members enter into homeownership.

Aging in place requires thoughtful preparation. Get in touch with one of our trusted loan advisers today to discuss the option that best fits your long term housing needs.

https://myarizonaloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Photo-of-older-couple-on-couch.jpg485750MattAsklandhttps://myarizonaloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2-Col_Reg_Horiz-copy-web.pngMattAskland2018-10-16 17:21:502018-10-09 17:23:543 Housing Options To Consider For Continued Independence As You Age

I’m a firm believer that getting involved in your local community and volunteering your time is beneficial not only for your mind and body, but also your business. There’s a sense of connection and community that occurs when you surround yourself with other like-minded charitable people — that quite often — results in the deepening of relationships with existing clients, as well as the fostering of new ones.

We’ve all heard the old saying, “people do business with people they know, like and trust.” Volunteering is a great way to network and meet new people, but more importantly, when the effort is genuine, can result in new business opportunities and referrals.

If you’re a real estate agent and you’ve been thinking about donating your time and service but aren’t quite sure how to get started, here are five ideas to consider:

Rotary International not only offers help locally and worldwide, but membership offers tremendous networking opportunities. The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self” and Rotary is an organization of over 33,000 local clubs serving their communities around the world.

HandsOn Phoenix partners with a wide range of community service organizations and government agencies to put volunteers to work where they are needed most – tackling issues like homelessness, hunger, education, animal welfare, environmental challenges, and more.

Kiwanis International offers volunteer opportunities to help enhance the physical, emotional, educational, and social wellbeing of our children. Click the link to to see what opportunities are available in your community.

Smaller groups that cater to different ethnicities may be ideal for the agent who specializes in a certain ethnic market. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, for instance, can help you get in touch with local groups that offer help to the Hispanic community.

Hyper-local volunteer opportunities like coaching a community athletic team, volunteering at a local school in your farm area, your church or community theater groups are also great ways to donate your time while meeting new people.

The important part is to think about what’s important to you. What are you passionate about? Then, reach out to that organization and ask how you can help. Making the time to start giving back will come back to you tenfold. In the words of Bryant McGill, “Giving is the master key to success, in all applications of human life.”

I hope you find these ideas helpful. We would love to hear about other ways you are volunteering your time and service to your local community, and how the act of ‘giving back’ has impacted your business. Feel free to comment below or share your stories with me via email at matt.askland@cardinafinancial.com.

To learn more about Cardinal Financial and our charitable work here in the Valley, please visit our Community & Charity page.

https://myarizonaloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Community-Charity.jpg18102716MattAsklandhttps://myarizonaloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2-Col_Reg_Horiz-copy-web.pngMattAskland2018-10-09 16:50:592018-10-09 16:51:55Real Estate Agents: 5 Ways to Get Involved With Your Local Community

We’ve officially entered fall. The kids are back in school; snowbirds are making their way back to the Valley; business levels are waking up from their summer slumber; and we’ve officially entered the fall home selling season.

For many real estate agents and mortgage lenders, fourth quarter is crucial – to assess current business levels and determine what objectives need to be met to achieve those year-end goals. How often have you said, “If I only had more time,” or, “I wish there were more hours in the day?” We don’t really need more time in the day to achieve our goals. What we really need are strategies to better manage our time.

Here are four tips to help you eliminate mental distractions and finish the year strong.

Implement a Time Block SystemMap out your ideal work week using a time blocking system that includes a start and a stop time every day, as well as time for yourself and your family. Key components to incorporate into the schedule include: daily team meetings and emails; power hour spent selling – either on the phone prospecting or face-to-face with clients; afternoon appointments (listing, buyer and channel appointments); and follow up. Having a structured, time blocked schedule to follow will ensure you are consistently marking off tasks that will help you make those monthly/yearly goals. I have personally found success using The CORE Training’s Ideal Work Week – developed by Reeta Casey and Rick Ruby. Their structured calendar and time block system has been a game changer for my productivity.

2. Set Up Your Voicemail MessageThis one may seem obvious but can make a huge difference in managing your time. Explaining your communication process upfront with your clients not only establishes boundaries but sets expectations for the relationship moving forward. Creating a voicemail that reiterates your hours of operation and when you’ll return voicemails provides the space you need to recharge and connect with family.

3. Delegate Your EmailsAdmittedly, one the biggest disruptors to your productivity is emails. Having a member of your team manage your inbox will do wonders for your time management and eliminate those unnecessary distractions. Tip: Create an email address that no one knows about and have your team member forward time sensitive messages to that address to be answered from your business email address during your “scheduled” time block twice a day. Imagine what you could do for your business if you replaced five hours a week spent on answering/responding to emails with five additional hours of prospecting?

4. Schedule “Brain Dumps” Into Your DayA ‘brain dump’ is a scheduled 15-30 minute meeting every week with yourself or the appropriate team members. Meeting topics can include operations, marketing, leads and client gifts. Each team member brings their operational updates, success stories, issues or roadblocks to be discussed (unless it’s a fire). The key to these brain dumps is learning to table these topics for the weekly meeting vs. interrupting one another’s time throughout the week. I then schedule one hour in my calendar post meeting to address any time sensitive issues.

Effective time management is possible when you have a plan and stick to it. This means being disciplined, setting priorities that communicate clearly what’s really important, making wise decisions that help set realistic goals, and setting firm boundaries that allow us to keep the promises we make to ourselves and others.

Additional information about the Ideal Work Week and The CORE Training time block system referenced in this article can be found in the book “The Roadmap to a Profitable $30 Million Real Estate Business,” by Reeta Casey and Rick Ruby.

I hope you guys found this article and some of these tips helpful. If there are other time management tools/systems you use, I’d love to hear about them. Feel free to let me know in the comments below!

There is no denying that massive shifts are taking place in the real estate industry. Tech-based startups are entering the marketplace at a rapid pace offering consumers a faster, more streamlined approach to the home buying and selling experience; the number of consumers going without a real estate agent is on the rise according to J.D. Power’s 2018 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction Study; and several of the industry’s top real estate executives and broker owners predict more extreme changes are on the horizon.

I recently watched a video from the Inman Connect Conference in San Francisco featuring Keller Williams Co-Founder Gary Keller. Keller took the stage with Inman Publisher and Founder Brad Inman to discuss the drastic changes coming for real estate, and what prompted Keller’s decision to pivot from being a pro-agent coaching and training company to a technology company. Here are a few of the highlights:

Technology is an absolute imperative

We are living in an age where the new ‘savvy’ real estate customer is taking a seat at the head of the table and demanding a faster, more concise process. They want to be able to decide and act quicker and “the industry must get better, smarter and more transparent to serve consumers’ insatiable and unapologetic needs,” said Brad Inman.

According to Keller, there are two battlefronts emerging in real estate. The first battlefront is agents empowering technology. He went on to list a handful of real estate tech companies, including Zillow, Redfin, Trulia, Opendoor and Offerpad, that make up this category and explained that these companies are not agent-centric businesses. They want technology to be the rock star in the relationship with the customer versus the agent. “These companies would all run their businesses without agents if they could,” Keller said.

Big data and artificial intelligence are the next big game changers

The second battlefront is technology empowering agents. In this model, agents are the fiduciary and technology – fueled by big data and artificial intelligence – is the tool to provide agents with insights that result in a more meaningful conversation with their client. Keller went on to explain that in order for brokerages to compete with these tech-centric companies long term broker owners will need to build a platform in which they own their own software and data.

For Keller Williams that means no longer dealing with what it called “bolt-on” technology. “Bolt-on technology is anytime you use another company’s technology product that you didn’t build and own,” Keller said. Examples given were off-the-shelf CRM systems like Top Producer, CINC and BoomTown. Transaction management systems like Dotloop and Skyslope, and any AVM like Trulia, Zillow, realtor.com, etc.

Keller finished by saying “Who you decide gets to have your data, will ultimately determine how relevant you are in the real estate industry.”

What are your thoughts regarding these two groups? Do you agree with Keller’s thoughts on the evolution of the real estate industry? Feel free to comment below.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of authors expressed in this post do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cardinal Financial (formerly RedStone Mortgage), its affiliated companies, or their respective management or personnel.

Not Budgeting for a Home Loan: Owning a home may be cheaper than renting in the long run, but it’s a hefty up-front investment if you’re planning to take out a loan. Make sure you know how much you can afford to pay each month.

Ignoring Your Credit Score:A solid credit score will help you go from renter to homeowner. Even if you’re great at budgeting and earn a decent income, a poor credit score may hurt your chances of qualifying for a loan.

Not Paying Attention to Housing Trends:The housing market fluctuates. Sometimes it favors the buyer, sometimes it favors the seller. Read up on housing supply and demand, as well as interest rates and price history in your desired neighborhood.

Shopping Before You’re Qualified:Don’t shop for a home before you’re pre-qualified for a mortgage loan. It will just lead to frustration and heartache. Meet with an accredited lender or mortgage advisor so you have a clear understanding of your price range.

Overlooking a Home’s Resale Value:It’s rare to buy a “forever” home these days. Therefore, it’s good to consider ahead of time whether you’ll be able to re-sell the home for a decent price – or maybe even a profit! – in the future.

Trusting an Unqualified Realtor:Hiring the right realtor is the most important step in your home search. Make sure that you’re working with someone who is savvy and well-versed not just in real estate, but the neighborhood of your dreams, too.

Betting on a Verbal Agreement:Nothing in home-buying is legitimate until you’ve got a signed contract. Don’t hang your hopes on someone’s word and a handshake. Get all details – requirements, agreements, prices and dates – on paper.

Disregarding Hidden Costs:Budget for all of the fees – obvious and hidden! – in the homebuying process. What’s a hidden fee? One example is the closing cost, which can include everything from attorney to title search fees.

Forgoing a Professional Home Inspection:Don’t rely on the seller or their real estate agent to point out any issues with the home. Hire a professional home inspector to check for damages, pest problems or any issues with the property.

Forgetting Other Related Costs:Just like buying a car, owning a home comes with long-term financial responsibility. Prepare yourself for things like association fees, insurance, taxes, utilities, and regular maintenance and upkeep.

Are you you in the process of looking for a first-time home? Let Cardinal Financial (formerly RedStone Mortgage) assist you in finding loan options that meet your individual needs. Call us today at 480-759-1500.

https://myarizonaloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/AdobeStock_74057513.jpeg36485472MattAsklandhttps://myarizonaloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2-Col_Reg_Horiz-copy-web.pngMattAskland2018-08-14 10:33:202018-08-14 17:36:35The 10 Most Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Their First Home

An Open Letter from Branch Manager, Matt Askland

I have some incredible news to share! Today, July 23, 2018, marks the official day our company name changes from RedStone Mortgage to Cardinal Financial — and my team and I could not be more excited.

As many of you know, I have been with the same mortgage company (Peoples Home Equity) for 16 years. A few months ago, PHE announced that they were acquired by Cardinal Financial.

There are many reasons for this exciting merger, but most important, the mortgage industry as a whole continues to evolve. Rates are up, margins continue to tighten and improvements to technology and processes are crucial to remaining ahead of the competition. It is more important than ever that we too evolve if we want to maintain the superior service levels we provide our clients, as well as continue our mission to be the best of the best.

This union between Peoples Home Equity, RedStone Mortgage and Cardinal Financial is a wonderful fusion of companies, minds and people. Furthermore, the loan facilitation systems we now have access to are light years ahead of our competition, which not only allows us the opportunity to improve our efficiencies and remain relevant, but positions us as a technology leader.

The company that I’ve been with for 16 years has now become a major force and I could not be more excited and humbled to be a part of this evolution.

Thank you for all of your support over the past 18 years. We look forward to this new adventure, but more importantly … to continue serving you.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. To learn more about Cardinal Financial, feel free to visit the website at www.cardinalfinancial.com.

Today we’re sitting down with our very own Matt Askland to get his professional insight on the current Phoenix real estate market. An expert in the mortgage business since 2000 and the main driver here in our Southwest region, he’s been a vital component to RedStone’s success. Let’s jump right into our chat with Matt.

First, let’s have a bit of fun. Finish this sentence: You know you’re officially a Phoenician when…

…you’ll park at the far end of the lot just for that tiny piece of shade. Also, when you can pronounce cities like Ajo and Gila Bend, and when you don’t need GPS because you speak in directional language – NEC, SEC, NWC and SWC.

So true! Speaking of shade, what are some of your favorite family-friendly ways to beat this summer heat?

I just broke the bank on a backyard for my family to enjoy our own little slice of paradise. I have a pool in my life again! We also love Top Golf, Main Event and the water parks. If you really want to beat the heat, travel north and enjoy the cool mountain air.

Alright, switching gears to the professional now. What is one piece of advice you’d give to homebuyers about the financing process?

You really should get pre-qualified. Don’t dabble in this market unless you really understand what you can afford. We also advise people on what NOT to do when shopping for a home. For example, don’t go buy a new car, change your job or how it pays you, and definitely don’t take on a new credit card or move large sums of money in or out of your bank account.

And how can Realtors best help clients qualify in today’s market?

Ask them these three questions: 1) How much cash do you have saved for the down payment? Their answer will tell you if they need help. 2) How would you rate your credit? If they don’t say excellent, let us know so we can dive into why. They may not tell you, but they’ll tell us. 3) How long have you been at your job? This will tell you about their stability as a borrower and buyer.

Are there any under-the-radar lending and financing options consumers should be aware of at the moment?

Yes, definitely. Many of our senior clients are finding financial freedom in reverse mortgages. This program allows you to convert a portion of your home equity into cash and use the wealth they’ve built in ways that are truly beneficial to their lives. Also, the HomeReady® program by Fannie Mae is ideal for today’s borrowers who have limited savings. With as little as 3% down, you can qualify for a competitive rate and mortgage.

What kind of questions do you have about qualifying for a home loan in today’s market? Leave them in the comments below and we’ll do our best to answer!

LaLeña Christopherson regularly performs in the 99th percentile at West USA Realty, which is no surprise to us because we see how often she goes above and beyond for her clients. Her strongest ability is recognizing exactly what is most important to her clients and doing whatever possible to turn their dreams into reality.

Working with the most discerning clients, LaLeña regularly delivers top-notch service and she’s also one of the market’s smartest Realtors. We’re honored to have her share knowledge with our community!

What would you say is the most important thing for people – both Realtors and new homebuyers – to know about the current Phoenix home market and values?

The Phoenix home market is very aggressive right now. There is a shortage of inventory and sellers are controlling the market. I find that the best value for buyers may be the house that was priced too high at the start and did not sell – then the opportunity is there for the buyer to purchase at a fair value. I find that a homebuyer really has to be pre-qualified and ready to go; they have to be able to compete in this aggressive seller-driven market. As Realtors representing sellers, we are always trying to get the highest price and most solid buyer to ensure a smooth closing. The further along in the qualification and approval process the buyer is, the more attractive the offer to the sellers.

What is one question you’re getting regularly from homebuyer clients right now and how do you address their concerns?

The most common question I get is, “How do I compete with cash?” There is lot of cash in the market right now, especially in the $400,000 and below marangerket. It is tough to compete with for buyers who are putting minimal down. I recently had a situation where my seller took a cash offer from an investor. The next day, after we signed the offer, we received a back-up offer from a 10% down buyer. The 10% down buyer wrote a letter explaining about their family situation and how this home was perfect for them. My seller was so moved, they told me that they would rather sell to that buyer if they could because they were excited to think that a couple wanted to make the house a home. So, my advice is, don’t be discouraged as a buyer. Even if you are competing with cash, explain your situation and let the seller know a bit about you!

How would you explain the current Phoenix market and local home values to wannabe buyers?

HOT HOT HOT and rising! Competition is rising. Summer is upon us, but there are more people relocating here everyday. Our job market is great and our state taxes are low, so Arizona is an appealing place to live. If you are going to jump into the market, be ready. Get your approval done and ready to go, and of course, align yourself with a competent Realtor who knows the market.

Based on your experience, who would you say is buying the majority of new homes in the Phoenix area right now?

I believe we have a storm going on – not just one set of buyers. We have first time buyers, move-up buyers, investors and out-of-state buyers who are definitely driving up the prices. When you come from California and sell your shack for $2.3 million and move to Arizona, where you can buy a 3,000-square-foot home for around $700,000, it seems like a dream. Out-of-state buyers don’t even blink at our prices.

Where do you see the Phoenix market going this year, and how can Realtors and potential homebuyers best prepare for what’s to come?

I believe the market will continue to be strong. Rates are climbing and may go even higher. Buyers will be stepping off the fence and making their move as rates creep up. The best way to prepare if you are a homebuyer is to get fully approved with a trusted lender, know your numbers and when a home comes up that works, jump on it. I recently had a buyer who did not move quick enough. In a low inventory market, you cannot delay. He lost the home to another buyer because he had to “think about it.” By the time we found a similar home 3 months later, the price was $30,000 higher and we had to bid against multiple offers. He had the stress of constantly looking and told me he wished he would have not delayed on the first home.

Are you a Phoenix-area Realtor with an interesting perspective to share? We want to interview you! Tell us about yourself in the comments below and you could be featured in a future Realtor Q&A.

https://myarizonaloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/LaLena-Christopherson.jpg812730MattAsklandhttps://myarizonaloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2-Col_Reg_Horiz-copy-web.pngMattAskland2018-06-06 20:13:192018-06-06 20:13:19Realtor Q&A: LaLeña Christopherson of The Christopherson Group